Alcohol addiction has a unique set of stages that needs to be navigated before sobriety can be achieved. While there are more moving parts, there are five main alcoholic recovery stages that you can use to benchmark your progress. In this blog post, we will explore these five stages in depth so you have a better understanding of what it takes to put an end to your alcohol dependence for good!
First Stage
The first stage of recovery is the most challenging for recovering alcoholics. In this initial phase, they are starting to admit that there is a problem and start looking for help from family members or other resources in their community. During this time, people typically go through intense withdrawal symptoms which can include depression, anxiety attacks, sweating, and shaking as well as intense cravings for alcohol.
Second Stage
Stage two of recovery is about change and self-assessment. At this point, recovering addicts begin to see what life was like when they were under the influence and start seeing how it has negatively impacted their lives both personally and professionally. This stage is often done with the help of peers, family members, and/or therapists, and counselors who are trained to help recovering alcoholics.
Third Stage
The third stage of the alcoholic recovery process is about building a support network and finding new hobbies and interests that don’t involve drinking. During this time, people start to work on their personal relationships as well as deal with the past issues that caused them to drink in the first place. Most recovering addicts will also begin attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings during the third stage of their recovery process.
Fourth Stage
Stage four is about developing a firm foundation for sobriety and finding ways to remain sober in the long term. Recovering addicts will begin working on building habits such as sobriety through ongoing self-assessment, support from others, and staying active in activities outside of alcohol. The end goal for many recovering alcoholics is to remain sober for the rest of their lives, and stage four is where this goal becomes feasible.
Fifth Stage
Stage five is part of the lifelong journey that most recovering addicts will continue to revisit throughout their lifetime. This final stage of recovery involves building on the foundation they have created and continuing to maintain daily meditation, journaling, exercising regularly, and eating healthy meals that support their ongoing sobriety. In this final stage, it is important to keep the positive habits that were initially built and continue to strengthen them so that you don’t get yourself back to stage one.
If you’re looking for help with your alcohol addiction, there are five stages of recovery that can be used to benchmark your progress. If you know what stage of the process you’re in and have an idea about where you want to go, it will be easier for others to support and guide your sobriety journey. And don’t forget: it’s not just about stopping your alcohol addiction, but also improving the quality of life that you currently have!
Article Submitted By Community Writer